ALGIERS, Algeria -- France and Algeria are in talks over the sharing of nuclear energy technology and research, industry sources said Thursday.

The discussions under way in Algiers are part of French President Nicolas Sarkozy's efforts to create a union of Mediterranean countries, the Financial Times reports. Stops in other North African countries are planned for later this week.

Though France's relationship with former colony Algeria has been complicated in the past, Algerian President Adelaziz Bouteflika has indicated interest in taking advantage of French nuclear expertise.

If the collaboration goes forward, Algerian engineers could receive training in France from Areva, the world's largest nuclear power group.

Cooperation with fossil fuel-rich Algeria could help bolster France's energy security while Algeria would improve its prospects in a post-oil future, the newspaper said.

Last month, the north African country signed a nuclear power agreement with the United States to explore possible joint projects.